A gorse fire which threatened three houses on Heir Island in West Cork was put out by firefighters who were transported to the island on board the Baltimore RNLI lifeboat.
The lifeboat was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard yesterday evening to carry the nine firefighters from Skibbereen and Schull fire brigade units as it was the quickest way to get the fire crews to the island.
It took 13 minutes.
Separately, the Heir Island ferry operator transported additional crew and equipment to the island from Cunnamore pier to fight the gorse blaze which extended over three acres in the centre of the island threatening the three houses.
In a statement this lunchtime, Cork County Council said its fire crews "prioritised the protection of the houses as well as tackling the main fire using beaters and other equipment".
The fire service said it is very grateful for the assistance of a number of locals in putting out the blaze which was brought under control some five hours later, at 10.15pm.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Cork County Fire Service also thanked the RNLI and the ferry operator for their assistance in accessing the island, and reminded the public that it is illegal to burn gorse, vegetation and scrub between 1 March and 31 August each year.
